Company Description
John Crane, a business of Smiths Group, is a global leader in mission-critical flow control solutions for energy and process industries that enable efficient and sustainable operations. Our products include mechanical seals and systems, couplings, bearings, filtration systems, and predictive digital monitoring technologies.
We have a global network of more than 200 sites in over 50 countries and employ more than 6,000 people worldwide. We partner with our customers to help them keep their operations safe, reduce downtime, improve efficiency, and meet the latest environmental standards.
John Crane is part of Smiths Group. For over 170 years, Smiths has been pioneering progress by engineering for a better future. We serve millions of people every year, helping to create a safer, more efficient, productive, and better-connected world across four global markets: energy, security & defence, space & aerospace, and general industrial. Listed on the London Stock Exchange, Smiths employs approximately 16,000 colleagues in over 50 countries.
Job Description
We have a fantastic opportunity for a Manufacturing Engineer to join the team. As a Manufacturing Engineer you will be involved in supporting the productions areas, especially gas seal assembly and test, increasing (OEE), quality RFT% and reducing costs through process/layout improvements. Implementation of key projects aligned to business plan and the introduction/implementation of new advanced manufacturing technology. You will also be ensuring the smooth operation of manufacturing processes and supporting daily production activities. The role involves providing critical support to Operations on process controls, addressing machine issues, and implementing improvements to enhance efficiency and quality.
This role is based on our headquarters within Slough, working Monday to Friday normal office hours.
John Crane is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to crafting an inclusive environment for all employees.
Duties & Responsibilities (not limited to)
Process Improvement & Digitalisation -
- Map current-state processes and design optimised future-state workflows
- Implement automation solutions using Power Automate, Power BI, workflows, and other digital tools
- Identify and deliver process automation opportunities to reduce manual effort and improve accuracy
- Drive Continuous Improvement and Lean initiatives (5S, Kaizen, waste elimination, standardisation)
Project Management & CapEx -
- Lead manufacturing and CapEx projects from concept to implementation, ensuring delivery on time, on cost, and within scope
- Prepare cost estimates, budgets, schedules, and project justifications
- Support the introduction and integration of new advanced manufacturing technologies and equipment
Operational & Production Support -
- Improve OEE and area KPI performance across production departments
- Provide “hands-on” shop floor support for daily issues in assembly, test, and machining areas
- Monitor process controls, resolve production bottlenecks, and support root-cause analysis
Data, Systems & Reporting -
- Use SAP for production support activities including routing changes, BOM updates, and data analysis
- Build insightful KPI dashboards (e.g., OEE, RFT, downtime trends) using digital tools
- Engage with stakeholders across Operations, Engineering, and external suppliers to provide technical guidance and updates
Documentation & Standards
- Develop, update, and maintain SOPs, work instructions, Visual Factory documentation, and manufacturing standards
- Support Control Plans, PFMEA development, and risk assessments for both NPD and existing processes
Qualifications
The Individual will have the following skills & experience -
Ambition & Drive:
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Motivated and eager to grow within the role.
Education
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Ideally a Bachelor’s degree from a top-tier in STEM with 2:1
Experience
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3-5 years industry experience preferred
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Previous experience in gas seal assembly and testing is preferred
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Experience in using Continuous Improvement tools and techniques would also be desired
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Value Analysis and Value Engineering (VA/VE) experience
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Advanced MS Office skills
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Proficiency in CAD
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Familiarity with operational / shop floor best practices and performance standards
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Decision making ability and good influencing / team working skills
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Time management and organisational skills
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Self-driven with good attention to detail
Additional Information
With colleagues stretching across the globe, we are proud of our diversity. To foster inclusivity, we run employee resource groups (ERGs) to provide a safe space for employees to connect and support each other. Our cross-business ERGs include Veterans, Pride Network, Black Employee Network, Women@Work Network, and Neurodiversity.
Across our company, we recognize excellence, culminating in the Smiths Excellence Awards, our annual celebration of the most extraordinary activities, people, and projects that best showcase our strengths and help drive our business forward. We announce these on our annual Smiths Day, a global celebration of Smiths around our network.
Join us for a great career with competitive compensation and benefits, while helping engineer a better future.
We believe that different perspectives and backgrounds are what make a company flourish. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment regardless of color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, economic status, disability, age, or any other legally protected characteristics. We are proud to be an inclusive company with values grounded in equality and ethics, where we celebrate, support, and embrace diversity.
At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Group, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation – including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career’s website (Careers - Smiths Group plc)
